Turning a prosperous new leaf

U.S.-Turkey Cyprus Page 3 Tourism Page 4
The Turkish Offering the
relations Page 2 Republic of opportunity
Increased trade Northern Cyprus to explore past
relations support (TRNC) kick-starts civilizations while
the pursuit for true tourism boost with experiencing the
democracy. U.S. support. exciting new Europe.
OurWorld
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2005
Turkey
THE COUNTRY
IN FIGURES
Turning a
prosperous
qCOUNTRY NAME:
Republic of Turkey
q CAPITAL: Ankara
new leaf
q AREA: 301,384 sq miles
qPOPULATION:
69,660,559 (July 2005 est.)
q GDP purchasing power
Introducing reforms across the board, parity: $508.7 billion (2004)
the Turkish government is taking the country q GDP composition by
toward promising times. Privatization and sector: agriculture 11.7%,
possible EU membership are paramount. industry 29.8%, services
58.5% (2003 est.)
ON October Indeed, foreign investment q LANGUAGES: Turkish
3Turkey gave is already on the rise, with (official), Kurdish, Arabic,
a huge leap in foreign banks buying into Armenian, Greek
its history: af- their Turkish counterparts.
qRELIGIONS:
ter intensive talks with the Eu- “The banking sector in
ropean Union, its members Turkey is one of the best mon- Muslim 99.8% (mostly
agreed to start negotiations itored, regulated and trans- In June this year, President Bush and Prime Minister Erdogan talked of their new strategic relationship. Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly
for Turkey’s accession to the parent in the world,” says Christian and Jews)
EU. In order to comply with Tolga Egemen, Executive “We are very competitive in 2004, with nearly $64 billion shipbuilding, software, and q INDUSTRIES: Textiles,
the requirements, the ruling Vice-President of Garanti terms of skilled labor, young of that in exports. Textiles the fashion side of the textile food processing,
Justice and Development Par- Bank. population and availability and the automotive industry and garment sector. Devel- automobiles, mining, steel,
ty (AK), led by Prime Minis- With EU accession on the of materials,” he states. represent the bulk of Turkey’s oping high technology is al- petroleum, lumber, paper
ter Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is horizon as a driving incen- Turkey’s volume of trade exports, but other promising so seen as vital for the future
introducing reforms across the tive, Turkey is making a com- amounted to $160 billion in sectors are transportation and of Turkey’s export industry. Source: CIA- The World Factbook
board, providing Turkey’s volume mendable economic
Turkey with a much recovery. To ac- ÖZGÖRKEY
needed political and of trade quire candidate sta-
economic stability. amounted to tus, Turkey
The govern- $160 billion in abolished the death
ment’s Internation-
al Monetary Fund
2004, with penalty, allowed the
use of the Kurdish
Leading Feast business thinks big and succeeds
nearly $64
(IMF) led recovery s TRADE links between
program is making
billion in exports language in schools
and in broadcasting, Turkey and the U.S. are evi-
“When we started building the
frozen food plant back in 1998,
the growing tourism industry
there. Increased tourism in
impressive progress: eco- and tightened civilian con- dent in Özgörkey, a producer foreseeing a $30 to $40 million Izmir, on the country’s west
nomic growth has averaged trol over the army. Also, and exporter of frozen foods investment, even the bankers coast, has encouraged the fam-
more than 5% a year and in- Turkey implemented its re- and supplies for McDonald’s thought we were being rash. ily to invest in hotel property:
flation has fallen to single- vised penal code (including and other chain restaurants. But we did the right thing,” says one will be a small ‘boutique
digit figures for the first time more than 30 amendments Starting as a local bottling CEO Murat Özgörkey, one of hotel’by the sea, while two oth-
in the past three decades. An- that safeguard women’s firm for Coca Cola in 1968, the the sons of the original founder. er locations have been ear-
drew Vorkink, the World rights) and amended its cus- company invested in a frozen In all, Özgorkey has invest- marked for larger projects. “On
Bank’s Country Director for toms-union agreement with food plant thirty years later and ed more than $60 million in the the hotel side we might look
Turkey, believes the govern- the EU to cover all new mem- is now the largest producer of food industry alone, and is open for a partnership,” says Mr.
ment’s current efforts, backed bers, including Cyprus. french fries, fruit and vegeta- to partnerships which can bring Özgörkey, who has expressed
by its reputation for honesty Turkey has also been bles in the country. Since then, in new business ideas from his preference for American
in public affairs, will bring in streamlining certain aspects it has extended its scope of ac- abroad. Last year the firm start- partners, perhaps due to the five
more investors. of the business climate to tivities to include agricultural MURAT ÖZGÖRKEY ed to develop the agricultural years he spent studying and
CEO of Özgörkey
make it more investor-friend- production and an automotive aspect of the food business, and working in the U.S. “I have al-
TEAM IN TURKEY ly. It is now focusing on in- branch. The Özgörkey brothers is growing its own seeds and ways enjoyed better relations
Project Management: creasing privatization – in the are now showing interest in ar- tinually expanding. As of 2002, raw materials. “We took this and better communication with
Marco Amaral and first nine months of 2005, pri- eas as diverse as hotels, luxury 85% of the firm’s vegetable and decision in order to increase Americans,” he adds.
Maria Borisova vatization revenues reached retail, and industrial laundry. fruit production is exported. both our efficiency and the qual- Mr. Özgörkey’s father, the
$16.2 billion – and the re- Production and exports of The prospects for the frozen ity of our raw materials,” says original founder of the busi-
Find out all about distribution of wealth. frozen food under the Feast food industry within Turkey are Mr. Özgörkey. ness, used ‘think big’ as his
Formula 1 in Istanbul in Kürsad Tüzmen, Minister of brand started in 2000. Export good, as current per capita con- Another new business plan motto. The company has fol-
our online version. Foreign Trade, emphasizes the areas include Europe, East Asia sumption is well below the Eu- involves an industrial laundry lowed this advice and has suc-
country’s economic pluses. and North America and are con- ropean or American average. in Antalya, which would service ceeded as a result.
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Distributed by USA TODAY Our World Thursday, November 10, 2005 2
U.S.-TURKEY relationship gains momentum PASABAHÇE
Triggering a pursuit Crystal clear advantage
of true democracy s “TURKEY is the ancient land
of first glass production,” says
GülsümAzeri, the Executive Vice
President of Pasabahçe. This, she
where, added to its Turkish pro-
duction points, it can readily sup-
ply most of Europe.
The firm’s current European
The U.S. is a major claims, is one of the reasons why market share is 14%, set to rise
her company is so good at what to 19% over the next two years.
trading partner and it does. Pasabahçe is the glassware In addition to this, the company’s
a staunch supporter division of Sisecam, which has growth plans include improving
of Turkey’s been producing different types its market share in the U.S. “The
of glass in Turkey since 1935. U.S. market is very big and one
EU membership. Pasabahçe’s readiness to in- of the most nicely segmented
vest when necessary has turned markets,” says Ms. Azeri.
s THE CURRENT U.S.-Turk- it into the third-biggest glassware Pasabahçe aims to target the re-
ish relationship extends back producer in the world. The firm tail and the food service markets,
over more than 50 years of com- has been exporting since the ear- GÜLSÜM AZERI tripling its current sales output in
mercial and strategic coopera- ly 60s, when the domestic mar- Executive Vice President of the future. “What we are work-
tion, and common ground in the ket was much smaller and Pasabahçe ing on in depth today is how to
pursuit of democracy and the opportunities beckoned abroad. become global,” she says.
war on terrorism has led to clos- Today, the company produces
er ties. President Bush and Prime its own glass-making machines
Minister Erdogan, on meeting and has its own furnaces, while
in June this year, talked of open- highly advanced technology and
ing a new page in the strategic an accumulation of know-how
relationship between the two have allowed it to develop one
countries. of the most extensive ranges of
Turkey is seen as a potential glassware in the world.
role model for Muslim democ- Turkey has been designated as a Big Emerging Market (BEM) for Growing within Europe in-
racy, particularly in light of the U.S. exports and investment by the Department of Commerce. volves extending production fa-
U.S.’s broader Middle East ini- cilities to other countries, thus
tiative. North America has been Nevertheless, trade between Turkish companies are also cutting transportation costs – a
PASABAHÇE
among the staunchest support- the two countries could be entering the U.S. market. Yatas, major factor in the trade.
ers of Turkey’s application to stronger. Mr. Erdogan, speaking a leading brand in the furniture Pasabahçe has already invested
join the EU. at a U.S. business conference ear- sector since 1975, became a pub- in Bulgaria and Russia, from One of the most extensive ranges of glassware in the world
The U.S. is one of Turkey’s lier this year, highlighted recent lic company in 1996. Renowned
major trading partners. In the improvements in Turkey’s in- for its focus on design and prod-
first seven months of 2005, vestment climate and invited busi- uct development, it already has RITZ-CARLTON
Turkey exported $2.7 billion ness leaders to become more 1,000 domestic sales points and
worth of goods to the U.S., while involved in Turkey’s information is expanding its export business
American imports amounted to
$3.1 billion. The country has
been designated as a Big Emerg-
technology and media sectors. in the U.S. and Europe. Sanko
Holdings, which started out 101
years ago in textiles and has
An eye-opening experience
ing Market (BEM) for U.S. ex- branched out into a diversity of s “AN EXCITING market and certainly one
ports and investment by the sectors, exports all over the of the greatest destinations in the world,” says
Department of Commerce. world, including the U.S. General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton in Istan-
bul, Allan Federer, on describing the emplace-
ment of his hotel.
Opened almost four years ago, the Ritz-Carl-
ton is located at the heart of Istanbul’s
Dolmabahçe district and soars above the famed
palace of the same name and the European
shore of the Bosphorus; the higher you go the
better it gets. The breathtaking views are cer-
tainly a part of the Ritz-Carlton experience for
its guests, which the general manager says are
among the world’s most demanding. “Genuine
care and concern is our highest mission,” adds
Mr. Federer. “We are here to create an experi-
ence.”
Although until 2005 occupancy rates showed
only a modest growth in Turkey, this has been
a benchmark year for the tourist business. “We
have seen revolutionary growth of up to 40%
in demand and revenue,” explains Mr. Federer.
“Globally speaking hotels are returning to the
profitability levels they had in 2000.”
The Ritz-Carlton’s guests are mostly from Eu-
rope, especially Germany, followed closely by ALLAN FEDERER
the affluent and discerning nationals. The gen- General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
eral manager believes the American tourist mar-
ket has not yet awoken to the huge potential of Istanbul is comparable to New York or Paris in
Turkey as a destination. that it can be discovered time and time again,
“I think that Istanbul has the potential to be- according to Mr. Federer. “There is often the
come one of the top four destinations in the perception that Turkey is part of the Middle East,
world,” he says. One of the greatest challenges which is a misunderstanding. But neither is it
ahead is to attract more Americans to the hotel. Europe,” he states. “Turkey is as distinct a place
As a cosmopolitan and multi-faceted city, as it can be.”
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3 Thursday, November 10, 2005 Our World Distributed by USA TODAY
INTERVIEW
“To end 40 years of division
and reunite the island”
s ELECTED President of the The U.S., on the other hand,
Turkish Republic of Northern has been actively supporting
Cyprus (TRNC) in April, efforts to ease the economic
Mehmet Ali Talat speaks about isolation of the Turkish
the challenge of reunification. Cypriots. What can the U.S.
achieve unilaterally in this
You have succeeded Rauf respect?
Denktash as President of the The EU planned to help ease
Turkish Republic of North- the isolation of the Turkish
ern Cyprus (TRNC), and are Cypriots by giving financial
seen as a more moderate aid and by starting direct trade
leader. What are your pri- relations. Unfortunately, they
TRNC Turkish Cypriots trust new government to achieve reconciliation orities in this position? did not succeed. The U.S. is the
My policy is to end 40 years only nation which has really
Northern Cyprus hopes EU of division and to reunite the
island; to join the EU as a uni-
fied island and share power
with Greek Cypriots.
taken action, starting by giv-
ing us $30.5 million. Other
measures, like the visit of U.S.
congressmen and businessmen,
talks will favor reunification Prospects for unification
were dashed with the Greek
Cypriot rejection of the An-
have followed. This has creat-
ed more interest in the North
as both an investment and a
tourism destination, which is
U.S. support is United Nations (U.N.). The idea of reunification. Ferdi Sabit Soyer, points, helping the Turkish Cypri- nan plan. What made the welcome support for the Turk-
crucial as Turkish a united island is not new, but re- the Turkish Cypriot Prime Min- ots to achieve their aim of be- Turkish Cypriots agree to it? ish Cypriot economy as a
sentment between the two sides ister, clarifies: “We want to share coming less isolated. “There is a Turkish Cypriots have un- whole.
Cyprus strives to runs deep, and the Turkish Cypri- everything on a base of political very strong desire among Turkish derstood that the former world
attract tourism and ots have been against unification equality under a federal umbrel- Cypriots to become part of the in- as they perceived it is not the What is your message to the
business to its side. in the past. In the most recent de- la; different people living togeth- ternational community,” says Min- real world. They mobilized international community?
velopment, however, the Annan er under Western democratic ister of Economy and Tourism themselves to change the sta- My mission has always been
s TURKEY has been a potential Plan, devised by U.N. Director- principles.” Dervis Deniz. tus quo because the status quo to work for a solution for
European Union (EU) member for General Kofi Annan, proposed the So far, Turkey has agreed to up- One priority envisaged by his was not sustainable. Cyprus. We are trying to ex-
more than 40 years, and official ne- creation of a United Cyprus Re- date its customs unions agreements ministry is for Northern Cyprus to plain our position to the inter-
gotiations on accession finally start- public that would con- to include all new EU na- establish itself as a recognized eco- The EU does not seem able national community and we
ed last October 3. Membership, sist of two constituent “There is a tions, including the Re- nomic, rather than political, enti- to act swiftly with regard to know that ending our isolation
believes Kürsad Tüzmen, Minis- states joined together strong desire public of Cyprus. It has ty. The development of tourism, a Northern Cyprus because of will help bring about this so-
ter of Foreign Trade, will benefit by a minimal federal among Turkish started to lift restrictions key economic sector, is vital. its own internal structure. lution.
both Turkey and existing member government apparatus Cypriots to be on the Greek South, and Tourism figures for 2004 were up
countries. But one ongoing hitch and loosely based on a part of the border gates are being 30% on the previous year, and the
in the proceedings has been the sta- the Swiss federal mod- opened to allow move- ministry aims to target the upper
tus of the Turkish Republic of el. Both the Greek and international ment between the two end of the market. “We plan to
Northern Cyprus (TRNC). On the the Turkish side were community” sides. The TRNC is now make the TRNC one of five or six
one hand, the TRNC is not officially given the opportunity to vote on the hoping for international recogni- quality vacation centers in the
acknowledged as a nation; on the plan; though 65% of Turkish Cypri- tion and, more importantly, trade. Mediterranean,” says Mr. Deniz.
other, Turkey is loath to recognize ots led by new President Mehmet “If the world takes away some of Development will proceed under
Greek Cyprus, which already ac- Ali Talat supported it, the resolu- the isolation from the Turkish side a strict environmental master plan
ceded to the EU in May 2004. tion was rejected by their counter- it will encourage Greek Cypriots that will restrict building, defin-
Since 1974, the island of Cyprus, parts and Greek Cyprus entered to come and restart negotiations,” ing which areas will be developed
in the Eastern Mediterranean, has the EU alone. says Mr. Soyer. and which will be kept intact.
been divided between the Repub- In recent talks with President Ta- Northern Cyprus is currently Other areas that could help to dri-
lic of Cyprus, predominantly Greek, lat, EU representatives have waiting for the EU to provide ve economic growth are the uni-
in the south, and the TRNC, which stressed the need for continued promised financial aid and for the versities – which cater to a large
is only recognized by Turkey, in the communication between all par- start of direct trade with its mem- proportion of foreign students – and
north. The two parts are separated ties to resolve the situation, and bers. Meanwhile, the U.S. has al- the development of low-tax inter-
by a buffer zone manned by the have praised his commitment to ready taken steps on both these national business units. MEHMET ALI TALAT, President of the TRNC
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Distributed by USA TODAY Our World Thursday, November 10, 2005 4
TURKEY WELCOMES YOU
Today’s Turkey, a Western-looking modern democracy, offers savvy travelers the singular opportunity
to explore the treasures of past civilizations and experience the exciting new Europe.
I
t is a country so enthralling, so full to legend, brought the Virgin Mary with in a rainbow of red, green and gold. diversity of merchandise is
of excitement, and so rich in her- him, moving her into a hilltop cottage Turkey’s urban attractions are as beguiling transporting. Especially in
itage stretching back to the dawn of where she lived out the remainder of her as its natural ones. In fact, few cities world- the Grand Bazaar, positioned
civilization, that it takes two continents life.Today the cottage is a sacred site of pil- wide can rival Istanbul for sophisticated on the road that once led to
to hold it! grimage and has been honored by visits seductiveness. Like the rest of Turkey, Rome, is a vast labyrinth of
Historically and geographically, Turkey from Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II. Istanbul pulsates with intriguing contrasts. arched passageways and nar-
is unique. Where Europe and Asia meet, Indeed, the Mediterranean coast is An important mosque across the street from row alleys, a covered maze of
it is a bridge between East and West,a mes- referred to as the Turkish Riviera given its an early Christian church and a historic syn- some 4,000 shops, selling
merizing mix of the ancient and cutting 300 annual days of sunshine, enchanting agogue; posh boutiques just a short distance treasures of every type.
edge,the familiar and the exotic. All spread coves and quaint fishing villages. With the from a 500-year old bazaar and chic night- However, the often more
across a breathtaking landscape ranging Toros Mountains punctuating the dramat- clubs juxtaposed to ancient palaces. lasting – and most treasured
from rugged mountains to pristine beach- ic shoreline, the area reflects the fascinating – keepsakes of Turkey are
es. Turkey is a land of glorious contrasts mosaic that is Turkey – during the spring,
T
urkish cuisine is remarkably less tangible. Rather, they
and choices, a multi-faceted mosaic that it’s possible to ski in the morning and swim diverse, based upon a robust agrar- are memories of the
glows with a centuries’ old tradition of in the sea during the afternoon. Year ian tradition that makes Turkey warmth of the Turkish peo-
warm hospitality for visitors from all cor- round, a day for the very ambitious could self-sufficient in the production of food. ple for whom genuine and
ners of the earth. include sailing, golf, a visit to an archeolog- The country’s multicultural heritage has generous embrace of travel-
Turkey is known as the cradle of civi- ical museum, white-water rafting, a per- generated a urbanely, purist cuisine, strong ers is a way of life. Their
lization, the center of world history, and it formance at a Roman theater and a dinner on grilled meats and seafood, salads, fruits welcome for Americans is
is that age-old heritage that attracts many of fresh seafood under the stars. and vegetables, rich desserts and tasty local particularly enthusiastic,
to this fascinating country. Since the first To the north and west, the Aegean coast drinks - from tart fruit juices to fine wines, reflecting the long cordial
known human settlement was established beckons with vast, pristine beaches, beers and Turkish coffee. For many visitors relationship between the
in Turkey around 6500 B.C.,the region has sparkling turquoise waters and ancient to Istanbul, exploring the Turkish foodways United States and Turkey.
hosted a succession of the world’s most ruins. The region also boasts many of in the city’s restaurants and bars is the ulti- It is such feelings, indelible memories HOW TO GET THERE:
influential thirteen civilizations. Turkey’s most popular spas, based upon mate entertainment. For others, it is shop- and impressions that make Turkey the Turkish Airlines offers non-stop service to
The legacy of Ephesus is more profound another of Turkey’s topographical features - ping. In Istanbul the sheer volume and experience of a lifetime. Istanbul from two U.S. gateway cities, New
York and Chicago, with daily flights from John
than its stunning physical remnants. It a plethora of natural hot springs, the F. Kennedy International and three a week
is steeped in biblical history. St. health-benefiting properties of which have from O’Hare International. In addition, Turkish
Paul preached at Ephesus. been celebrated since antiquity. Airlines provides connecting service from 20
St. John, too, was drawn Typical of a country teeming with major U.S. cities in conjunction with an
American Airlines code-share agreement.
to Ephesus to write splendid contrasts, one of its most spec-
his gospel and, tacular ecological treasures is the surrealist
according landscape of Cappadocia.Wind, water and
time have eroded brittle volcanic rock Call 1-800-874-8875
or visit www.flyturkish.com
and limestone to form a dazzling moon- Call 1-877-FOR-TURKEY or visit www.tourismturkey.org
scape of “fairy chimney” like cones, 821 United Nations Plaza, New York, N.Y. 10017 • Tel: (212) 687-2194 • ny@tourismturkey.org
2525 Massachussets Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 • Tel: (202) 612-6800 • dc@tourismturkey.org
capped pinnacles and fretted ravines 5055 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 850, Los Angeles, CA 90036 • Tel: (323) 937-8066 • la@tourismturkey.org
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